Riva del Garda, Italy (September 2, 2017) - Yesterday’s forced break from racing due to inclement weather gave way to three races and three separate winners on Day Two at the Russian Open, the final event of the 2017 Melges 20 World League, European Division circuit. But at the tip top of the standings, Igor Rytov’s RUSSIAN BOGATYRS holds an impressive 12-point lead over second place finisher Achille Onorato/Matteo Savelli sailing MASCALZONE LATINO, JR. Leonid Altukhov’s RUS-199 is seated third.

Rytov with tactician Konstantin Besputin and crew Anton Sergeev, continue to dictate the law and are clearly the strongest team on the Melges 20 global stage. They are the current Melges 20 European Champions (as crowned in Sibenik), and lead the overall World League Ranking. If they maintain this momentum and stay on this trail-blazing track of success, they could be moments away from winning the Russian Open and the MWL European Division Ranking as well.

Above and beyond Rytov’s astounding overall performance is Race One winner Pietro Loro Piana at the helm of GONE SQUATCHIN’. In yesterday’s on-shore interview, Piana stated that they needed to find nice breeze in order to race, and that he and his team of friends were excited about taking to the waters of Lake Garda. Today Piana showed everyone how it’s done with a bullet right out of the gate. It was a truly wonderful and fun race for this relatively new fleet comer.

With Rytov taking the win in Race Two, Race Three went to another shining new face — Dmitry Samokhin on ROCKNROLLA, followed by long-time Melges 20 owner Dario Levi at the helm of FREMITO D’ARJIA in second. Rytov sealed the day’s deal with a third.

Alexander Mikhaylik’s ALEX TEAM is currently in charge of the Corinthian division.

Sunday is the final day of competition and the first warning is at 09.30.

After racing at the prize giving, the new Russian Open Champion will be crowned, but also the new 2017 Melges 20 World League, European Division Champion will be named!

The Melges 20 World League European Division is supported by Helly Hansen, Garmin Marine, Toremar, Lavazza, Norda and Barracuda Communication.